TWFLLYM Ch 122

Side Story: You Are My Salvation

In any case, the situation improved significantly after that day.

Even when Roserikta burst into loud tears upon seeing cookie crumbs gather on top of her round belly, the maids no longer made an unnecessary fuss. They didn't even run to fetch Kalart. That part brought a sense of relief.

[Elona] "Should I brush those off for you, Lady Roserikta?"

Elona asked gently. Roserikta sniffled and nodded.

[Roserikta] "……Yes, please."

[Elona] "Stay right as you are for a moment."

She gently swept the crumbs off her belly with a fresh napkin and spoke again.

[Elona] "Why don't we just place a napkin over your belly from now on? That way, nothing will get on your clothes."

[Roserikta] "Oh, should we? That is an excellent idea. ……Why didn't I think of that?"

As Roserikta replied gloomily, Elona turned her face away to hide a smile. Though she felt a bit guilty, she found it incredibly endearing whenever Roserikta became sad or discouraged over such minor things.

His Highness must feel the same way. Otherwise, why would he insist on staying glued to her side all day long?

Unfortunately, his packed schedule has made that difficult lately.

[Elona] "Ahem, hum. I read a book about pregnancy, and it mentioned that a lady's thoughts move more slowly than usual when she carries a child."

[Roserikta] "I, hic, know that too."

[Elona] "Yes. It happens to everyone, so please don't let it upset you."

[Roserikta] "Alright……."

Plop.

Another cookie crumb fell onto her belly. Thanks to the napkin Elona had placed, she didn't mourn over ruined clothes this time.

[Roserikta] "Where is Clobell?"

[Elona] "She is in the bedroom. She told me not to enter because she had work to do. Should I inform her that you are looking for her?"

If the cat remained alone in the room, she was undoubtedly practicing magic. Ever since Roserikta handed over the remaining Axaca powder, Clobellina had been absolutely thrilled. At this rate, she would become a witch's cat proud enough to show off anywhere.

[Roserikta] "No, it's fine. I just asked because I didn't see her. Clobell loves these cookies."

She motioned to Elona as the thought struck her.

[Roserikta] "Could you give me a napkin? I want to wrap some up and give them to Clobell when she comes out."

[Elona] "Oh……."

Elona's expression darkened slightly.

[Roserikta] "Hmm? What is it?"

[Elona] "Well, Lady Roserikta……."

[Roserikta] "Is something wrong with the cookies……? ……Ah."

She furrowed her brow. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.

[Roserikta] "I did this a few days ago too, didn't I?"

[Elona] "……Yes."

The previous incident involved a pork pie. Roserikta had wrapped a piece of pie neatly in a napkin, only to completely forget that she had tucked it away in her desk drawer. She couldn't comprehend why she had done such a thing. Two days later, she opened the drawer to look for a pen and discovered the soggy pie. It was on the verge of spoiling and gave off an unpleasant odor.

[Roserikta] "Ah…… I've become a fool."

She tightly gripped the cookie she was about to wrap and let her tears flow freely.

[Elona] "No, Lady Roserikta! Don't say such things!"

Flustered, Elona hugged her and patted her back.

[Elona] "It is only a temporary thing. Everyone experiences these moments of forgetfulness."

Miserably, those words offered no comfort at all.

[Roserikta] "I want to give birth quickly. But what if I stay like this even after the baby arrives? The thought terrifies me. What if I forget all my recipes and can't use magic anymore……?"

She wept sorrowfully while crunching down on the cookie in her hand. She had already forgotten her intention to save it for Clobellina.

Elona comforted her with even greater warmth.

[Elona] "I asked the royal physician for books and read all sorts of texts, but none of them mentioned anything like that. Trust me. You will become sharp and clever again, just like before."

Those words made her cry even harder.

[Roserikta] "So you are saying I am not clever right now……."

[Elona] "No, it's just because of the baby for now……."

[Roserikta] "Sob……."

Oh dear, what should I do?

Elona paced about, her mind racing to find a solution.

Should I fetch His Highness? I clearly lack the talent to comfort Lady Roserikta. But where is he right now? Is he in the assembly hall? That is quite far from here. What if she cries even harder while I am gone?

While Elona wavered in deep hesitation, a guest arrived.

[Rayden] "Thank you for granting me your time, Your Imperial Highness."

[Roserikta] "……."

Roserikta chewed her cookie, staring at Lord Rayden as he bent one knee in a polite greeting. Behind him, the attendants who had traveled with him from the Iveton Grand Duchy bowed their heads. Curiously, every single attendant held a large silver tray covered with a lid.

[Roserikta] "What brings you to see me?"

[Rayden] "I heard about the minor incident that occurred yesterday, Your Highness."

The incident of the pie in the desk drawer had spread quickly through the maids' gossip. They didn't speak of it openly because they knew Roserikta would feel embarrassed, but in the imperial palace, where everything revolved around her and the baby, it made for highly entertaining news.

[Roserikta] "An incident involving me?"

Crunch, crunch.

[Rayden] "Yes. Hearing that story pained my heart. However, Your Highness makes even the sound of chewing cookies sound remarkably beautiful."

[Roserikta] "……Huh?"

Realizing she was still chewing, Roserikta flushed with embarrassment.

Oh dear. I kept holding onto the cookie. Doing this in front of a guest is quite rude. What should I do?

His next words brought even greater bewilderment.

[Rayden] "Since I heard you saved a piece of pie to enjoy later, I prepared a few pies for you."

[Roserikta] "Pardon?"

Astonished, she opened her eyes wide.

[Roserikta] "Why…… no, I mean……."

How did he find out? And before that, I didn't save it because I wanted to enjoy it later! More importantly, why is the young lord doing this?

[Rayden] "Bring them forward."

At his gesture, the attendants approached Roserikta one by one.

[Attendant 1] "This is a pheasant pie."

[Attendant 2] "This is a pork pie."

[Attendant 3] "This is a lamb pie."

[Attendant 4] "This is a pigeon pie."

[Attendant 5] "This is an eel pi—"

[Roserikta] "……."

The trays held twelve pies in total. How on earth was she supposed to eat all of this?

She stared at Rayden, unable to voice any words of gratitude.

[Rayden] "And I prepared this fig pie on the side in the traditional style of Iveton. I hope it suits your taste."

Just like that day in the garden, this situation felt entirely wrong. Lord Rayden's kindness carried an underlying motive.

[Roserikta] "Um…… I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I can't possibly eat this much food by myself……."

Rayden cut in quickly, acting like a man who had waited entirely for her to express gratitude.

[Rayden] "Your gratitude is far more than I deserve. I only desire with all my heart that the Crown Princess of the Kriye Empire enjoy absolute joy and abundance without any lack. If my small effort contributes even a little to your happiness, I am the one who should be grateful."

I definitely shouldn't have mentioned gratitude.

[Rayden] "I've no other desires, but if Your Highness generously permits, I wish to keep a token to prove that I brought you a small amount of happiness."

Why did he have to speak so grandly just to ask for something?

His cheeks flushed slightly, and his eyes gleamed.

[Rayden] "Even a short song would be enough. Would you sing for me as proof of your joy?"

I knew it. He seemed suspicious from the very beginning.

[Roserikta] "I……."

As she struggled to find words to reject him, Kalart arrived at the perfect moment, as always.

[Kalart] "I shall accept the gratitude on behalf of my wife. Rewarding your effort falls to me."

Once again, Kalart displayed his absurd speed, appearing without even running, as if he used magic.

[Kalart] "I will order the special local wine and fruits of the Empire sent to your quarters. Consider it a return gift, so you need not thank me."

Stridng forward, Kalart leaned over the back of the chair and wrapped his arms around Roserikta's neck. The gesture made his intentions clear to anyone watching: She is mine, so don't look at her.

[Rayden] "I've already tasted all the local wines of the Empire. I appreciate your words, but I—"

He cut Rayden off immediately, having no intention of listening anyway.

[Kalart] "For the sake of the friendship between our two nations, I hope you won't decline."

[Kalart] "Are you not tired? I believe it is time for your nap."

The final sentence directed itself at Roserikta. She glanced at Rayden and nodded. She didn't have a specific naptime, nor did she feel particularly tired, but she needed to dismiss Rayden right now.

[Roserikta] "Yes, Your Highness. I am so drowsy that my eyes are closing."

[Kalart] "I will take you to bed. Should I carry you?"

[Roserikta] "Mmm. We have a guest, so showing such a lack of display might be rude. I've already shown him my sleepy face."

She had become quite skilled in the art of palace speech. Her words carried a hidden meaning: I am a heavily pregnant woman who needs her rest, and your presence is making me uncomfortable because I've to maintain manners. Please leave immediately.

[Kalart] "The young lord of Iveton will understand. Given your advanced condition."

Stepping in front of Roserikta, Kalart lifted her effortlessly into his arms. To show he lacked any desire to maintain manners in front of Rayden.

[Kalart] "You feel a bit heavier than you did this morning. Does the baby grow that much in half a day?"

She let out a quiet laugh at his deliberate emphasis on the fact that they held each other every single day.

[Roserikta] "That's because I ate a large lunch."

[Kalart] "Oh dear. Then you won't be able to eat any snacks."

He used the word 'snacks,' but he clearly meant that the pies Rayden brought were utterly useless.

[Roserikta] "I will grow hungry again later."

[Kalart] "Yes. But only after your nap."

[Roserikta] "Yes. Let us start with the nap first."

Though her voice sounded remarkably clear and bright for someone claiming to be drowsy, neither of them paid it any attention.

Ultimately, Rayden departed without saying another word. The maids happily divided the twelve pies among themselves before the food grew cold and lost its flavor.

---

[Kalart] "Just to be sure……."

The two, not feeling sleepy at all, lay side by side on the bed. They hadn't changed into nightgowns, so the atmosphere felt a bit different from usual. He took off her shoes first so she could rest comfortably.

[Roserikta] "What are you curious about?"

[Kalart] "You genuinely had no intention of singing for him, right?"

The question sounded exactly like him. Roserikta finally understood why he had thrown Eaton out of the carriage when the knight broke his arm. He possessed a hidden, intense possessiveness.

[Roserikta] "Do you hate the thought of me singing for someone else?"

[Kalart] "Naturally. I could never like such a thing."

He pressed his lips firmly against the crown of her head.

[Kalart] "Your song is too……."

He stopped mid-sentence, unable to find the right words. No word in his vocabulary seemed capable of capturing the essence of her singing.

[Roserikta] "Does it feel like it fills an empty space?"

When she filled in the blank for him, Kalart pondered for a moment before answering.

[Kalart] "If I must put it into words."

He buried his lips in her hair once more.

My life divides itself into two parts: before I heard that song, and after.

Then, the closest expression in his vocabulary came to mind.

Salvation. You saved me from a world of ignorance and solitude.

[Roserikta] "Lord Rayden probably has a wounded heart. That is why he craves my song more desperately than others."

He grumbled with annoyance.

[Kalart] "I don't care about him."

[Roserikta] "Wow, isn't that a bit too heartless?"

[Kalart] "He survived perfectly fine until now, so he will continue to survive in the future. Don't waste your thoughts on such people. Focusing on our baby is already overwhelming enough."

She pressed her face close against his chest and giggled.

[Roserikta] "You can be quite heartless sometimes, Your Highness. Even though you are a wonderfully kind man at heart."

[Kalart] "I don't care about that either."

I've no interest in what kind of person I am to others. I only need to be a good man to you.

He shifted his position to ensure Roserikta felt perfectly comfortable.

[Kalart] "Is the pillow too high or too low? Is your neck comfortable?"

[Roserikta] "Mmm…… it's fine. It feels perfect right now."

[Kalart] "Tell me the moment you feel uncomfortable. What about your feet? Do they need a massage?"

[Roserikta] "They haven't swollen yet. I will tell you later if I need one."

[Kalart] "Don't delay telling me such things. I will feel deeply hurt if you do."

[Roserikta] "I know."

Kalart felt troubled by the fact that he couldn't share any of the physical changes or pain that came with pregnancy. It angered him that their child had to enter the world solely through Roserikta's sacrifice and responsibility.

[Kalart] "Compared to what you are doing, the things I can do for you are incredibly minor. Never forget that."

[Roserikta] "I told you, I know."

The man who could easily display coldness to the rest of the world became a man who felt his efforts were never enough for her.

Seeing how much I love this side of him, I suppose I am quite heartless toward others too.

Roserikta tilted her head slightly on the perfectly adjusted pillow and leaned further into him.

Catching her minor movement instantly, Kalart adjusted his shoulder to accommodate her.

[Roserikta] "Your Highness."

[Kalart] "I am listening."

[Roserikta] "I love you. Everything about you. Every single part."

[Kalart] "As do I."

He raised himself slightly and pressed a swift kiss against her lips.

Thus, another day wrapped them in complete happiness.